Bobbi Brown is one of the biggest names in cosmetics and when she’s not running her own company, she’s creating cover looks for magazines and makeup for fashion shows, appearing on television shows to dispense beauty advice, and making time for her husband and three sons. Did we mention she’s an author too? Her fourth book, Bobbi Brown Living Beauty, is set for release on February 15. Here’s your chance to meet her when she comes to the Steinhardt Building in early March for an intimate talk on Redefining Beauty. First, we provide a base foundation with a quick and light Q&A. 

What are some beauty essentials for New York women on the go?
I like double duty products like a rouge that you can use on your lips and cheeks or a shimmer brick you can use on your eyes and cheeks. I never leave home without my customized palette. It’s the ultimate beauty resource for women that are on the go. It contains all the products I use in one condensed palette which fits into any purse and is perfect for touch ups throughout the day as well.

What are some beauty tips that will save women a future trip to the plastic surgeon?
Moisturize and wear SPF! Moisturizing is the key to keeping your skin looking healthy and young- It’s never too early to start! Sun damage may not show up now but the damaging effects like wrinkles and sun spots will show up as you age.

What’s the worst thing a woman can do to her face?
Get too much botox and other radical fillers injected into their faces or too much plastic surgery. It doesn’t look natural, it just looks like you have had work done.

What do you think of someone like New York Times “Critical Shopper” columnist Alex Kuczynski and her near-metamorphosis?
It’s sad when women think they have to look like the young celebs of today to keep up with the unhealthy obsession of today but I admire her for writing the truth about this obsession and how women are only striving to look the same as one another. It’s all about being who you are and feeling good about yourself.

What do you think are best/worst trends in the beauty industry right now?
I love that there are more formulas and colors coming out that are natural and give women more choices (like foundation that make your skin look like real skin) but I hate all the over the top products that make women look over done and ridiculous. Some things don’t accentuate the good in people- they just make you look like your wearing too much makeup.

What magazines/websites do you read regularly?
I read them all (even the weekly’s I hate to say) – I like to stay in touch with the trends.

You’ve worked with some of the most beautiful women in the world, from actresses to models—who would you say stood out for you?
Susan Sarandon is one of the most beautiful women in the world not only on the outside but on the inside as well. She is such a strong, kind and passionate woman who I admire greatly. She has a real presence about her that you can feel when she walks into a room.

[Redefining Beauty with Bobbi Brown: 3/7/07]